What was the Truman Doctrine?
Q: What was the Truman Doctrine?
A: The Truman Doctrine was a speech made by U.S. President Harry S. Truman to the U.S. Congress on March 12, 1947 in which he proposed that the United States should help Greece and Turkey to stop them from becoming 'totalitarianists', meaning Soviet Communism.
Q: Why did the United Kingdom stop helping Greece and Turkey in February 1947?
A: The United Kingdom stopped helping Greece and Turkey in February 1947 because they were also poor after World War II and could not afford to continue providing aid.
Q: What did Truman believe would happen if Eastern Europe remained poor?
A: Truman believed that if Eastern Europe remained poor, it would be more likely to convert to a Communist government unless helped by the United States.
Q: Did Truman have clear proof of Soviet involvement with Greek Communist partisans?
A: No, there was no clear proof of Soviet involvement with Greek Communist partisans at this time.
Q: How did Walter LaFeber describe the doctrine?
A: Political historian Walter LaFeber described the doctrine as an "ideological shield", meaning that he believed that the United States used it as an excuse or reason for their actions.
Q: What happened after the speech was made? A: After the speech was made, The Marshall Plan came into effect due to its influence.
Q: What is meant by totalitarianism? A: Totalitarianism is a form of government where one person or party has complete control over all aspects of society, including politics, economics, culture and media.
